Inventory remains tight in San Mateo County, with median home prices and average time on the market going stagnant year over year. This could be a sign that the market is finally leveling out. It could also be a sign that summertime is traditionally slow for sales. Condos were only a slightly different story in July, with inventory down, prices up, and properties spending eight more days on the market than one year ago.
Knowing the precise location of your property lines is crucial for a number of reasons, and there are just as many ways to find them. Let’s look at the how and why.
I’ll take the “How?” The first thing you can do is consult your deed, the fundamental legal document that defines your property’s boundaries and dimensions. If the deed does not suffice, you could hire a professional surveyor to conduct an assessment, research property maps at your local assessor's office or land records department to access property maps. It’s also fun to hunt for physical markers like metal stakes, stone walls, fences, or even neighboring structures. And of course, it’s helpful to be on good speaking terms with your neighbors. Open communication can solve any problem.
Guess that means I’m here to tell you the “Why?” Bottom line: Property lines establish ownership rights and prevent encroachment and trespassing by your neighbors and other randos. Knowing your lines also comes in handy when you’re planning a renovation or new build. The last thing you want to do is get on your neighbors’ bad side. So play nice. Happy block, happy flock. Oh, and don’t forget your property lines determine your property size and consequently, your property value. At the end of the day, if there’s any doubt, enlist the talents of a professional. The peace of mind is worth the price.
Sending our love to the wonderful people of Maui and Hawai’i as they recover from catastrophic wildfires. If you’d like to do something to help, we encourage you to consider donating to the Maui Strong Fund from the Hawai’i Community Foundation. Mahalo.
The market continues to be very tight in Santa Clara County, with home sales down 14% from last year, and condo sales 20% below June 2022. Meanwhile, properties are spending more time on the market as buyers weigh interest rates and inventory against their desire to find their dream home. As a result, home prices have dipped slightly, and condo prices have seen a small spike while buyers wait out the shifting market.
The cost of living in California has many people on the move to new cities and new adventures. What are some of the resources you can use to get familiar with your future home?
The first thing you can do before you pack a single box is check an online travel guide like Tripadvisor, lonely planet, or TimeOut. These sites are full of tips and insights for travelers, and that’s exactly what you are! You’re just staying a little longer. Speaking of which, you can check local government websites in your new city to learn about population demographics and public services like schools, transportation, and safety. It’s also a good idea to understand the city’s governance.
If you’re moving to save money, you’d be wise to crunch the numbers and make sure your new city fits your current budget! You can use websites like Numbeo or Expatistan to get an estimate of the cost of living in cities you’re considering, including the current price of goods and services. Another great resource is local news. Reading the city newspaper or browsing local news websites can help you get a sense of the big issues and challenges you might face after your move.
